Best Hotels near California State University--Monterey Bay

Guests raved about the ocean views from the lobby and restaurant at Monterey Tides. The pet-friendly hotel, which some guests said needs to be updated, is located on the beach 3 miles from downtown Monterey, California. Rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi access, coffee makers, oceanfront or inland views and pool towels. Other offerings on the property include a heated outdoor pool, an oceanfront courtyard, bike rentals, surfboard and bike storage, s’more kits and a fitness center, though the property does charge a resort fee. Monterey Tides also has two restaurants, including Bar Sebastián open 2- 11 p.m. daily and Vizcaino Waterfront Food + Drink, which has ocean views and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This hotel is 3 miles away from the Monterey Regional Airport.

Away from the shore and downtown Monterey, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa isn't the most convenient choice in terms of location. But this Hyatt outpost makes up for that in size: It's one of the largest luxury properties in Monterey with 550 guestrooms, ample conference facilities, 12,000 square feet of relaxation at the Marilyn Monroe Spa and a huge fitness center. Guests also have access to two pools, two restaurants (and a bar) and the greens of the Del Monte Golf Course. The Hyatt Regency's guest rooms and suites come equipped with flat-screen TVs, iHome stereos and high-speed internet access, not to mention minifridges and marble bathrooms. But as pleased as they were with the resort's offerings, some guests lament having to pay the daily $25 resort fee here. But, members of Hyatt's loyalty program can offset costs by redeeming points here.